Will the natural gas contained in America’s shale be providing energy for the next 100 years? The CERAWeek conference looks at the future of U.S. shale gas. Details in a Reuters article.

A free webinar titled: “The Impact of Marcellus Shale: What Do the Economic Impact Studies Imply?” is scheduled for Thursday, March 18th at 1:00 PM and hosted by the Penn State Cooperative Extension. You can register on their website.

Joseph Aldy, special assistant to President Obama for matters related to energy and the environment says that there is not enough evidence to say if hydraulic fracturing fluids are damaging the environment , however, releasing the composition of the fluids would avoid regulation that might require it. More on the Reuters website.

Governor Mike Beebe points to the Fayetteville Shale Play and wind energy projects as bright spots in the Arkansas job climate. More in an article on BusinessWeek.com.

An article in the Houston Chronicle explains how the natural gas industry must now “make a case” because many lawmakers have a strong preference for renewable energy sources and those which are perceived to be more environmentally friendly.

Daniel Fisher, a senior editor at Forbes has a blog post titled: “A New World of Cheap Gas“. In the post he explores the impact of new gas production on contract rates, natural gas uses, the impact on renewable energy technology, government policy and more.

The Houston Chronicle reports on the “Natural Gas Act” – legislation that could expand the use of natural gas as a transportation fuel by providing tax incentives for natural gas vehicles and refueling stations. Versions of the bill are in the House and Senate.

An article in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that the Pennsylvania Department of Natural Resources is going to increase the number of inspectors assigned to oversee natural gas drilling by 50%. Fees paid by companies who want to drill in the state will also be will also be significantly increased.

Calvin Tillman, the Mayor of Dish, Texas gave a two hour presentation on how to prevent the harmful effects of natural gas drilling at the Elmira Heights Theater in Elmira Heights, New York. He encouraged local officials to “take control” of what happens in their jurisdiction. More at The Online Leader.

Most of the publicity about natural gas drilling in New York has focused on environmental concerns and limiting resource development. A recent assembly of people in Binghamton focused on the rights of property owners to benefit from their resource. More in an article on Reuters.com.

In an article on the Journal of American Enterprise Institute website, Max Schultz, a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute argues that new methods for producing natural gas (horizontal fracking) and new methods to distribute the gas (LNG) are going to transform the use of energy worldwide.

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is looking to the Marcellus Shale for revenues and lawmakers are considering a severance tax on natural gas. The gas companies say that a tax would slow development of the resource. More in an article on the Reuters website.

The Houston Chronicle website reports on comments made by oil and gas company leaders at a hearing before the House Energy and Commerce subcommittee. The comments were consistent… Natural gas can be produced in a safe and environmentally responsible manner.

Some legislators in Harrisburg are trying to raise more revenue from the Marcellus Shale while others are trying to put on the brakes to reduce environmental impacts. More in an article at Philly.com.

The North Carolina Geological Survey has published Information Circular 36: Natural Gas and Oil in North Carolina. “This report provides an overview of natural gas and oil potential in North Carolina, how natural gas and oil forms, recent interest in both onshore and off-shore resources, and a summary of the current permit requirements and regulations.” Quoted from the report.